Top 5 Plant-Based Protein Powders

Choosing a plant-based protein powder doesn’t have to be difficult. When you’re looking for a vegan protein powder option, you want one that will help support your nutrition and exercise goals, improve your energy level, help your muscles recover quickly after exertion, and perhaps lose fat and gain lean muscle mass. Consider these top six plant-based vegan protein powder choices, and read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each.

One thing to watch for when choosing a vegan protein is stevia. Stevia is made from the Stevia rebaudiana, or sweetleaf, plant that grows in South America. Although the plant is naturally low in calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels to the degree that some other sweeteners do, it does have some known side effects, including bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, and stomach irritation, especially when stevia is used in a highly refined form. When possible, look for protein powders that don’t include

Elevate’s plant-based protein powder is made of hemp, pea, and sweet potato proteins. Its low-calorie hint of sweetness comes from monk fruit rather than stevia. To be blunt, it’s the best-tasting plant-based vegan protein on the market. Combine this with its other high-quality ingredients and you’ve got the recipe for the number one protein powder made entirely from vegan sources.

Cons

This plant-based protein powder from Vega, like Elevate Nutrition’s formula, also has a great balance of macros for those using flexible dieting to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Be aware that it contains sugar, especially if you’re counting carbs or trying to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Pros

4 flavors available

6g BCAAs per serving

6g glutamine per serving

30g protein per serving

Anti-inflammatory ingredients

Mixes well

Probiotics

Smooth texture

Cons

Contains sugar

One serving/scoop is 41 grams. This is much larger than most protein powders, so it’s easy to go through a tub quickly

Only 20 servings per container

The new formula does not taste great. It has a nasty aftertaste compared to Vega’s older formula

Garden of Life’s organic plant-based protein powder uses stevia as a sweetener. Cranberry seed, garbanzo beans, lentils, and navy beans are some of the sources of this USDA-certified organic protein powder.

Pros

5g glutamine per serving

5.5g BCAAs per serving

30g protein per serving

Good vitamin and mineral profile

Mixes well

Organic

Cons

2 scoops for 1 serving

High in carbs per serving (7g)

Not a great taste

Only two flavor options

Only 19 servings per container

One serving is 44 grams. This is much larger than most protein powders, so it’s easy to go through a tub quickly

This powder is a good choice for people with food allergies and sensitivities. It contains no soy, gluten, or tree nuts, yet has a nutrient profile similar to that of whey powder.

PlantFusion uses a combination of stevia and crystalline fructose to sweeten its plant-based protein powder. According to PlantFusion, the amount of fructose found in a single serving of its plant-based vegan protein powder is equal to that found in an apple.

This powder is made with proteins derived from artichokes, peas, and sprouted brown rice. RawFusion, like PlantFusion, sweetens its plant-based protein powder using a combination of stevia and fructose. The company compares the amino acid profile of its vegan protein powder to that of dairy milk.

Pros

6 flavors to choose from

Good taste

VERY low price

Cons

Contains fructose

Dull taste

Doesn’t mix well

Only 21g of protein per serving

Unimpressive amino profile

Uses bloating stevia as sweetener

When searching for the ideal vegan protein powder for you, look for the type of sweetener used, the right balance of proteins to carbohydrates, and a flavor that you’ll actually enjoy. The costs of each of these protein powders vary, but in general, if you pay for premium ingredients, you’ll get a higher-quality product. Protein powders in the lower-cost range tend to be the ones that are lower in grams of protein per serving.